S.B. No. 706 amends Section 411.173(b) of the Government Code to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by any other state in Texas. The bill mandates that the governor negotiate agreements for reciprocal recognition of handgun licenses with other states that require such agreements. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety is tasked with publishing and annually updating a list of states that recognize Texas-issued handgun licenses on its website.

The bill also repeals Sections 411.173(c) and (d), which previously outlined specific conditions under which licenses from other states would be recognized. The changes aim to simplify the process of recognizing out-of-state handgun licenses and enhance the ability of Texas residents to carry handguns across state lines. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.173 (Government Code 411)